Off the Rails

Rails in the Rockies 2015 – Back to the Future

Visiting Rails in the Rockies, spectacularly hosted by the Estes Valley Division, it was pointed out to me by Paul Brennecke (Supt., Front Range Division) of the vast numbers of children attracted to the LEGO model railroad modules.  Paul noted how the LEGO modules were continuously mobbed by the kids, and how popular it really is.  The LEGO I remember as a kid was very simple, but has evolved into quite sophisticated toys, models, and robotics.  The LEGO brand has kept up with technological advances to attract the kids away from video games as well as other distractions.  They have kept their product relevant to their target consumers by keeping up with popular themes, movies, and current trends.  Certainly we can learn from these lessons as we look to pass the hobby of model railroading on to future generations.

Kids and LEGO Modules, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

More LEGO Modules and fans, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

I also noticed that some of the O-Gauge modules included what we would term “modeling”

O-Gauge is getting more in tune with modeling, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

“Realism” is possible in O-Gauge, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

Another O-Gauge Landmark, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

I spent some time with Laura Trump, who is the mastermind behind the scenes of the Rails in the Rockies, and met many of the amazing team members from the Division, who have put together a great experience for young and old, in beautiful and grand Estes Park.  A wonderful show and arguably the best in Colorado, my wife and I spent a great weekend there.  I learned many ideas from Laura and her team and even some new art to take home and share with our convention chairs.

Photo: RailsintheRockies_04_2015

Caption: RITR Artwork, Rails in the Rockies 2015. Credit: G. Myers

Achievement Program Recognition

Congratulations to recently awarded AP Certificates to Region members:

John Griffith Association Official

Association Volunteer

Denny Krausman Master Builder – Scenery

Soapbox

Next year my term limit as President will be up.  Time to start looking for a successor, and time for you to start thinking about who you want to lead the Rocky Mountain Region after 2016.  We have made some strides over the last few years to improve the organization, but we have a long way we could still go.  Shortcomings in this area can be attributed to the amount of time and number of volunteers able to work on certain things.  Think of that when you consider candidates for positions and think about how you can help your Division, your Region, with whatever contributions that you can make.  We are an organization of individuals sharing many of the same goals and aspirations.  We can get a lot better with the help of the many rather than the few.

2015 Smoke and Steam Convention, Denver CO

I hope to see a lot of you at this year’s convention, just around the corner, next month.  If you haven’t registered yet, still lots of time to get it in, but activities are filling up.

Region Website - http://www.rmr-nmra.org/